Apparel with interchangeable facing

ABSTRACT

A waist apparel having interchangeable decorative facings constructed of a base member that is generally elongate in shape and may be used as a belt, sash, or cummerbund having removable facings with various decorative designs applied thereto. The base member and facings are removably mounted together by a hook and loop mechanism so that the user can mix and match a combination of facings that are then attached to the base member to achieve different appearances.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no related applications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to items of apparel such as belts and cummerbunds and is specifically directed to a belt type garment with interchangeable decorative facings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this present world where the latest gossip is a few keyboard clicks away and the latest celebrity picture is available for everyone's Internet viewing pleasure within hours of the images having been taken, trends can come and go within a matter of weeks, if not sooner. This is particularly true with regard to apparel, as last week's “cutting edge” is often this week's “mainstream” and can just as easily become the following week's “fashion disaster.” Consequently, for those interested in staying up-to-date with current fashion trends, as well as wearing coordinated apparel the expense of doing so can be overwhelming. Fashion accessories can sometimes change multiple times in a given year and entail numerous shopping trips. Moreover, the amount of space needed to store apparel accessories can become unwieldy in very short order and is not conducive to present day travel with its limited luggage and weight requirements. As cruising has become a popular form of vacation, women and men are faced with the social necessity of wearing different appearing apparel for the formal or dress up evenings of a cruise.

What is needed, therefore, are accessories that can be easily modified to suit the apparel of the moment. The present invention has a simple, functional base and various interchangeable facings to adapt the garment as required. The garment may include multiple facings, with additional facings becoming available according to the fashions of the day. This kind of multi-use garment would not only be cost-effective, but in addition be space efficient. Consequently, the user can dress appropriately for any situation simply by replacing the facing of his or her garment with the most appropriate, most fashionable design

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a fashion garment with interchangeable facings. The garment is a belt including a simple base fabric material made from any appropriate material, including but not limited to the materials commonly utilized in apparel manufacture, for example cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, polyester, nylon, rayon, or other man-made fibers. With regard to the preferred belt-like embodiment, the device is generally elongate in shape, having a length proportionately greater in dimension than its width and is worn around the waist of the wearer. Attachment means, for example hook and loop-type or hook and pile-type material commonly known as Velcro® are then used to affix various decorative facings to the belt base member to thereby modify the appearance of the garment as desired by the user. Additional attachment mechanism may also be used for mounting the facings to the base belt. While not limited to these mechanism, additional attachment mechanism includes zippers, temporary contact adhesion, magnets, and electrostatic means. With particular regard to the use of hook and loop-type fasteners, either the hook or loop portion of the fastening system is affixed to the belt base member and the complimentary loop or hook material is affixed to the various different decorative facings that may be attached thereto. Additional attachment methods are employed in a similar manner wherein, for example, one side of a zipper is permanently attached to the belt and complimentary zipper halves are attached to the various facings in the wearer's collection. After selecting the particular facing pattern or color desired, the user simply presses the facing into position onto the belt base member, as appropriate for the attachment and the mechanism being used. Thereafter the wearer is ready to face the world in the color or design of his or her choosing.

The belt base member may be sized to fit the torso of the wearer but may also be a one-size-fits-all garment. With respect to the one-size-fits-all variety, the garment may be custom sized by the end user, for example, by trimming one end to size, or may simply utilize a buckle from an elastic end piece that secures the free end of the garment in any position from its most constricted diameter to its largest size, with infinite adjustability therebetween. The belt may be used as dictated by the fashion of the day, for example, in a traditional manner fitted about the torso of the user and serving as an accessory to, for example, as a color coordinate with the user's attire. The user may alternatively choose a contrasting color, material or glitter, or select facings with different patterns that allow the user to wear a single garment, yet create multiple “outfits” for every day of the week by virtue of the type of accessories added. Additionally, use of the apparatus need not be limited to its use about the owner's torso. There may be other uses of the device as, for example, a sash or accessory collar.

While the facings are shaped similarly to the base belt member, they need not be. This invention contemplates facings having any number of shapes. Because the facings do not generally provide structural integrity to the garment, they can be shaped to cover all or just part of the belt base member. The facings can be formed in fanciful designs, for example, various geometric shapes or animal silhouettes covering all or just a portion of the belt base member. The desired attachment means is mounted adjacent the ends of the base belt such that the facings may be attached in a manner that the front of the user is covered without a break.

The facings are designed to also be combined in a mix and match fashion wherein a plurality of smaller facings is provided. The user simply attaches multiple facings to the garment, thereby creating unique designs or patterns from the combination of the facings.

The garment may be produced as a cummerbund including a base belt sized for and intended to encircle the user's torso and various facings that allow the cummerbund to be adapted according to the formality of the situation. The wearer may buy, for example, colored facings, or facings with various designs, such as plaid, abstract, paisley, or designs having a glitter component, such as beads, crystals, metallic or cubic zirconium, or designs showing an affiliation to particular colleges, universities, sports teams, or activities.

It is an object of this invention to provide an easily adaptable, multi-use changeable appearance item of apparel.

It is another object of this invention to provide a decorative belt with easily replaceable facings.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a cummerbund with easily replaceable facings.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an item of apparel that allows the user to easily clean the individual facings.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an item of apparel that allows the user to adapt his or her wardrobe to the current fashion.

It is an object of this invention to provide a space efficient item of apparel that can be stored compactly for travel.

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective partial view of the belt base member and an exemplary facing separated from the base member of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top broken apart plan view of the invention showing its facing, and attachment means;

FIG. 3 is a bottom broken apart plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 2 depicting shown in the base member and attachment means;

FIG. 4 depicts the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with ends buckled to one another;

FIG. 5 is a top broken apart plan view of a cummerbund of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom broken apart plan view of the cummerbund of FIG. 5; and,

FIG. 7 depicts the cummerbund shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with ends buckled to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments and best modes of the apparel invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 7. While the invention is described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the present invention be so limited. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The belt apparel invention 20 may be constructed from any material appropriate for the manufacture of apparel, including but not limited to cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, polyester, nylon, rayon, man-made fibers, or combinations thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the belt apparel device 20 includes a belt-like base member 30 having an elongated shape with exterior 32 and interior 33 surfaces. The base member 30 has a long dimension generally suitable for being placed circumferentially about a body part, for example, the wearer's torso, and has a width substantially shorter than its length. Buckle means in the form of interconnecting loops 50 are mounted at each extremity of the base member 30 to facilitate joining of the ends while in use. Those skilled in the art will understand that the belt ends may be fastened together using a variety of buckling mechanisms which includes magnets, snaps and the like. Here, the buckle means 50 consist of complimentary ring-like structures 50 attached to the extremities of the base member 30, each ring-like structure 50 being narrowed across two approximately opposing points along the circumference of said structure 50 such that one ring 50 may be inserted into the other in an interlocking fashion. It is understood that other belt buckling mechanisms are well-known and are encompassed by this description, including but not limited to traditional ring and prong style closures, D-rings, cam buckles, snap closures, magnets and the like.

A decorative interchangeable facing 40 is provided shaped in substantially the same shape as the base member 30. The facing 40 includes an interior surface 43 and exterior surface 42 with aesthetically pleasing designs applied thereto. Alternatively, the exterior surface 42 may be a solid color, differing colors, different designs such as plaid, paisley, checkered or abstract or include various simulated or semi-precious stones, beads, crystal, ornamental metal, plastic, or ceramic formations; and various appliqués applied in an artistically pleasing pattern. It is also envisioned that designs showing applications to various college, universities, sports teams or advertisers can be used.

Attachment means 50 are mounted to the ends 32 of base member 30 which are each folded over the base of the respective ring 50 and sewn together at 33 or may be an elastic end strip as shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment means is the looped material 31 of the hook and look closure, for example Velcro®, is mounted to the exterior or outer surface 35 of the base member 30 whereby the looped material 31 covers a significant area of the surface area of the base member 30 as shown in FIG. 1. Complimentary hook material 41 is mounted to inner or interior surface 43 of the facing 40 allowing the facing 40 and base member 30 to be securely attached to one another by pressing the interior surface 43 of the facing 40 to the exterior surface 35 of the base member 30. In alternative embodiments, the looped material 31 is mounted in sections to the base member 30 rather than in a single contiguous piece, thereby facilitating artful positioning of the facing 40 when in use. Another attachment means can be magnetic strips fastened to the base member and facing which hold the two belt components together.

Another form of belt is shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 wherein the device is manufactured in the form of a cummerbund 120. Similarly, a cummerbund base member 130 and cummerbund facing 140 are provided wherein the exterior surface of the cummerbund base member (not shown) and interior surface of the cummerbund facing (not shown) are mated using hook and loop style closures. In another version, the cummerbund facing 140 includes additional cummerbund facing wings 142 forming a tripartite facing that may be mixed and matched to achieve different effects as desired by the user. Moreover, it is noted that in all cases, facings 40, 140, 142 may be provided that are substantially smaller than the shape and surface area of the base member 30, 130 to facilitate mixing and matching of the facings 40, 140, 142 by the user. Alternatively, the facings 40, 140, 142 may be provided in arbitrarily artful shapes that obscure the base member 30, 130 when in use but do not necessarily conform to its shape. Loops 150 of cummerbund 120 are fastened together as shown in FIG. 7. If desired, elastic end strips 148 secured to the ends of the base member 130 can hold the loops 150 allowing the same to be stretched for a snug fit or to fit varying waist sizes.

In use, the wearer will generally have on hand a number of different facings 40, 140, 142 such that she or he may choose from a wide selection of “looks” to suit the fashion of the day or her or his mood. In addition to varying designs, colors or materials, glitter type materials such as beads, crystals, metallic member and cubic zirconium can be added to the facings 40, 140, 142. Additional facings 40, 140, 142 may also be purchased with the latest designs or motifs applied thereto. The user simply mates the facing 40, 140, 142 to the base member 30, 130 which is already on hand, and the entire apparatus may be worn.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments which have been described above. Instead, the embodiments described here should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims: 

1. Decorative apparel comprising: an elongate base member having a length greater than its width and including an interior and an exterior surface; a removable decorative facing having an interior and exterior surface; said base member having an attachment means mounted on said exterior surface; said decorative facing having an attachment means complimentary to said base member attachment means mounted on said interior surface; said interior surface of said decorate facing being removably mateable to said exterior surface of said base member; and, fastener means whereby the ends of said base member may be attached to one another.
 2. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base member is in the form of a belt.
 3. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base member is in the form of a cummerbund.
 4. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 3 wherein said base member is in the form of a cummerbund and said facing is a tripartite facing comprising a central member and complimentary wing members on either side of said central member.
 5. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said decorative facing is of a colored material.
 6. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said decorative facing includes a design.
 7. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fastener means are loop fasteners.
 8. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a hook and loop closure.
 9. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said decorative facing is a plurality of decorative facings, each of said plurality of decorative facings being smaller than said base member, said plurality of decorative facings being mounted to said base member.
 10. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base member and said decorative facing are manufactured of materials chosen from the group consisting of cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, polyester, nylon, rayon, man-made fibers, and combinations thereof.
 11. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attachment means is chosen from the group consisting of zippers, temporary contact adhesion, magnets and electrostatic attraction.
 12. Decorative apparel comprising: a belt base member having a length greater than its width and including an interior and an exterior surface; a removable decorative facing having an interior and exterior surface; said belt base member having hook and loop attachment means mounted on said exterior surface; said decorative facing having a complimentary hook and loop attachment means to said belt base member mounted on said interior surface; said interior surface of said decorative facing being removably mateable to said exterior surface of said belt base member; and, buckle means whereby the ends of said belt may be attached to one another.
 13. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 12 wherein said belt is in the form of a cummerbund.
 14. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 13 wherein said base member is in the form of a cummerbund and said decorative facing comprises a central member and complimentary wing members on either side of said central member.
 15. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 12 wherein said decorative facing is colored.
 16. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 12 wherein said decorative facing has a design thereon.
 17. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 13 wherein elastic members are secured to the ends of said base member.
 18. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 12 wherein said decorative facing has a plurality of light reflecting pieces mounted thereto, said light reflecting pieces being taken from a group consisting of beads, metallic members, crystals and cubic zirconium.
 19. Decorative apparel as claimed in claim 12 wherein said belt and said decorative facing are manufactured of materials chosen from the group consisting of cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, polyester, nylon, rayon, man-made fibers, and combinations thereof.
 19. Decorative apparel comprising: A cummerbund base member having a length greater than its width and including an interior worn next to the wearer and an exterior surface; said cummerbund having hook and loop closure means mounted on said exterior surface; a colored decorative facing, having an interior and exterior surface; said decorative facing having a complimentary hook and loop closure means mounted on said interior surface allowing said facing to be removably mounted on said base member; said interior surface of said facing being mateable to said exterior surface of said cummerbund; end attachment means whereby the ends of said cummerbund may be attached to one another; and said end attachment means including an elastic member secured to each end of the base member. 